Bahamas

Under the cover of night, they lay in wait for merchant ships and plodding Spanish galleons filled with gold. Hundreds of islands, each with tiny cays and channels, were perfect hiding places for Blackbeard and other pirates who plundered ships all along the Bahamas in the late 1600s.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: February 12, 2018 10:37 EST1. RECENT UPDATESRisk level(s) - travel health notices.2. ADVISORIESBahamas - Exercise a high degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution in the Bahamas due to high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.3. SECURITYCrimeCrime, including violent crime, occurs mainly on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. There has been an increase in muggings, armed robberies, home invasions and sexual assault targeting tourists in the cities of Nassau and Freeport. Incidents of robbery take place in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas, even in daylight hours. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist. Avoid non-tourist neighbourhoods in downtown Nassau, especially at night, where the crime accounts for much of Bahamas' high murder rate.Sexual assault occurs frequently, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, in casinos, on cruise ships and on the beach. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, do not consume any drugs and don't accept rides from strangers or from unlicensed taxi drivers. Due to incidents of sexual assault, it is recommended to be wary when embarking on jet-ski rides with licensed or unlicensed operators.Opportunistic crime, including petty theft and purse snatching, occurs frequently in tourist areas. Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Secure your valuables, passports and travel documents in your hotel room safe. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Never leave your personal belongings unattended in restaurants or bars, or at the beach.Withdraw or exchange money at automated banking machines or exchange bureaus during daylight hours only, or inside reputable financial institutions, hotels and plazas. Do not exchange money on the street. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when making withdrawals. Check your credit card statements regularly for potential fraud or unauthorized charges.When driving, keep your car doors locked and your windows rolled up. Never get out of your car to remove items blocking the road; this could be a ploy by armed assailants to rob you. Keep valuables out of sight in your parked vehicle.Stay alert to your surroundings, even in areas normally considered safe. Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark. Crime increases during the holidays.Spiked food and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.Women's safetySexual assaults are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some incidents, the victim was drugged. Consult our publication, Her Own Way: A Woman's Safe-travel Guide, for travel safety information for Canadian women.Excursions and water activitiesOnly undertake excursions with a well-established and reputable company. Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance.Be cautious and mindful of the risks to your personal safety when partaking in recreational water activities. Ensure that beach and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition, and that helmets and life jackets are available. Tourists have been seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft due to the poorly regulated water sports rental industry in The Bahamas. Rent water sports equipment only from reputable, locally registered operators, and insist on proper training before using the equipment.CruisesSeveral ports in The Bahamas are cruise-ship stops. See Advice for Cruise Travellers for tips to ensure your well-being during a cruise.Personal water craftPersons operating personal water craft and boats alone should be alert to the possibility of encountering similar craft operated by illegal drug traders.Road safetyUse caution when driving in The Bahamas. Roads are generally adequate in major cities, but in poor condition in rural areas. Bicycles, mopeds and pedestrians can be hazards, particularly on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport. Road construction is not always well marked. Drunk driving is common. Traffic accidents frequently result in injuries and death.Public transportationTaxis do not use meters; therefore, it is best to negotiate the price before you get in. Only use licensed taxis and take particular care late at night.After dusk, avoid travelling on local buses on routes outside of the main tourist areas.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlines4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Bahamian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from The Bahamas.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required (up to eight months)Business visa: Not requiredStudent permit: RequiredOther entry requirementsYou must be in possession of a valid return or onward ticket.If travelling by private vessel, certain documentation is required for entry to The Bahamas. Contact the Department of Immigration for more information.You must complete and sign an immigration card upon entry to The Bahamas. This card will be stamped by officials at the point of entry and you are required to keep the card until your departure.Departure taxThere is a mandatory departure tax of $15 (US or Bahamian), which may be included in the price of the plane ticket.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical care is good in Nassau and Freeport, but limited elsewhere. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking-to-pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Serious cases are transferred to Nassau, Freeport or Miami by air ambulance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if necessary. Report any serious sickness or injury requiring hospitalization to the Consulate of Canada in Nassau. Consult Well on Your Way-A Canadian's Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad for more information.Prescription drugsIf you take prescription medication, bring along an adequate supply and a copy of the doctor's prescription. Medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.LawsLong-line fishing is illegal in Bahamian waters. All long-line fishing gear must be stowed below deck while transiting Bahamian waters. Stiff penalties are imposed for catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life in protected areas or out of season.If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in The Bahamas, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and The Bahamas before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.DrivingTraffic drives on the left.A valid Canadian driver's licence is sufficient for driving in The Bahamas for up to three months.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in The Bahamas.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of The Bahamas, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipMoneyThe currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended. Automated banking machines are located on the larger islands, in airport terminals, banks, casinos and some hotels.It is illegal to depart the country with more than B$200 in your possession.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane seasonHurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:know that you expose yourself to serious safety risksbe prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your tripstay informed of the latest regional weather forecastscarry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operatorfollow the advice and instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksHurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoonsLarge-scale emergencies abroadActive storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States' National Hurricane CenterHurricanes Irma and MariaHurricanes Irma and Maria swept parts of the Bahamas as major hurricanes on September 9 and 22, 2017 respectively. Transportation routes, power distribution and telecommunication systems could be affected in some areas. Other services that may be affected in these areas include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. Check with your travel agent or tour operator to confirm hotel conditions before travelling. Confirm the status of your flight with your airline as there may be delays or last-minute cancellations.

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